MP urges Banff and Buchan public to claim Pension Credit
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE public are being urged to claim extra pension cash.
Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has called on the public to access pension top-ups designed to ease cost of living struggles.
He also welcomed the area's existing high level of Pension Credit uptake.
Mr Duguid said: “It is great news that 1,886 pensioners in Banff and Buchan already claim Pension Credit, but it is important for everyone else in our area to claim all the help they are entitled to.
“That is why the UK Government has launched a major campaign to encourage eligible pensioners, as well as those who care for and support older people, to access the help they are entitled to.
“This will ensure that eligible pensioners know what support is available and will help people prepare and save for later life.”
The fresh call for uptake is part of a new UK Government campaign designed to get more people signed up.
Pensioners receive an average of £3300 from claiming Pension Credit.
As well as a cash top up to the State Pension, other benefits including help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence can also benefit claimants.
Around 25 per cent of people entitled to the extra help do not currently claim it.
Guy Opperman, UK Government Minister for Pensions, added: “Pension Credit provides a vital income ‘top up’ for some of our most vulnerable pensioners – worth more than £3,300 on average.
“The good news is the latest figures show take-up is at the highest level since 2010 and around 1.4 million pensioners currently receive it. But there is much more to do to reach those who could claim but don’t.”
